Overview The World Digital Library (WDL) provides access to multilingual primary sources from around the world. It's mission is to promote cross-cultural awareness and understanding by highlighting the stories and achievements of all countries and cultures. WDL "is a project of the U.S. Library of Congress, carried out with the support of the United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (UNESCO), and in cooperation with libraries, archives, museums, educational institutions, … [Read more...]
Today in History: New Mexico
September 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 21–the Library of Congress features New Mexico. On this day in 1595, Don Juan de Oñate's petition and contract for the conquest of New Mexico was presented to Luís de Velasco, the viceroy of Nueva Vizcaya. The petition was ultimately granted and Oñate's expedition set out in 1598. A brutal leader, Oñate was later stripped of his position, fined, and banned in perpetuity from New Mexico. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below … [Read more...]
Today in History: Frederick Douglass
September 3, 2012 by 2 Comments
Today in History–September 03–the Library of Congress features the escape from slavery of Frederick Douglass on this day in 1838. Born into slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate. Learn more about this remarkable man who never ceased advocating for freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and primary source learning activities related to Frederick Douglass. Primary … [Read more...]
Today in History: Columbia University
July 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 17–the Library of Congress features Columbia University, first opened as King's College in New York on this day in 1754. There were quite a few influential men among its first students and trustees, including Gouverneur Morris, a primary author of the Constitution; Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Paper author and the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury; and John Jay, the nation's first Chief Justice and also an author of the Federalist Papers. Learn more about this … [Read more...]
Today in History: Vermont
July 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 9–the Library of Congress features Vermont, which revised its constitution on this day in 1793 and became the first state to prohibit slavery. Learn more about the "Green Mountain" state known for its independent-minded citizens by visiting the Today in History section, then following the links below to access more primary sources. Vermont stories from America’s Library Vermont primary source set Vermont images "Visitin' 'round at Coolidge Corners" (film from … [Read more...]
Today in History: New York City’s Finest
June 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–June 1–the Library of Congress features the New York City police department, whose annual parade was filmed on this day in 1899. Learn more about "New York City's Finest" by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover primary sources about police officers in New York City and other places. Films Police Parade. New York, New York. Thomas A. Edison, Inc. June 1, 1899. New York Harbor Police Boat. New York, New York. Thomas A. Edison, Inc. … [Read more...]
Today in History: Transcontinental Railroad Completed
May 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 10–the Library of Congress features the U.S. transcontinental railroad, celebrated on this day in 1869 when a symbolic golden spike was driven into the ground at Promontory Summit, in Utah Territory—approximately thirty-five miles away from Promontory Point, the site where the rails of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific were joined. This railroad connected the United States from coast to coast, reducing a four-month journey to just one week. Learn more by visiting … [Read more...]
Today in History: Thomas Jefferson
April 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–April 13–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, born on this day in 1743. (Actually, he was born on April 2 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Find out more about this multitalented man by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access teaching resources, primary sources and secondary sources … [Read more...]
Today in History: National Park Service
April 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–April 5–the Library of Congress features the National Park Service (NPS), which was established in 1916 thanks to testimonies in support submitted to Congress on April 5 and 6. The NPS started by supervising 40 national parks and monuments and now supervises nearly 500. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources and teaching resources related to the NPS and America's national parks. Teaching resources … [Read more...]
Today in History: Thomas Jefferson Elected
February 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 17–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, who was elected by the House of Representatives on this day in 1801. The House voted to break a tie in the Electoral College. Find out more about this acrimonious third presidential election by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources and resources about this election and the 3rd president of the United States. Individual primary sources Thoughts, on … [Read more...]
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